Five ways to improve your school's community cohesion
News article from November 1, 2016
Rushnara Khatun, School-Home Support (SHS) Practitioner, worked in a school experiencing gang culture and poor community cohesion. Her tips:
1. Invite parents to come in for a coffee individually, and really listen to what they have to say.
2. Encourage parents to collaborate with the school in organising a party from their culture, e.g. a Christmas or Eid celebration.
3. Identify activities that parents would like to do at the school. Rushnara started a weekly art class, which allowed parents from different cultures to mix socially for the first time.
4. Encourage parents to start a PTA, so that they feel engaged with the school and responsible for what happens there.
5. Host an international night and invite families to bring things from their culture. Food is a great tool for bringing people together!
Watch this video for more detail about what Rushnara did.